Coronavirus (COVID-19)

Two new studies have highlighted the potential impact of SARS-CoV-2 infections during pregnancy, finding placental abnormalities and fetal haemorrhages. Researchers are now investigating whether there are long-lasting neurodevelopmental effects.

Using machine learning to track symptom clusters in around 35,000 COVID patients, researchers have identified four distinct types of long COVID. The findings suggest long COVID is a diverse disease with a wide variety of clinical manifestations.

In the most comprehensive autopsy tissue study conducted to date, researchers have found traces of SARS-CoV-2 throughout the entire body, from the brain to the heart. The findings support research into antiviral drugs as possible treatment for long COVID.

CDC projections estimate a new SARS-CoV-2 variant called XBB.1.5 has exploded in prevalence across the US in a few short weeks. It was first detected in New York and early studies indicate it can more effectively bind to human cells than prior variants.

It's often hard to see the forest from the trees but if we zoom out a little it becomes clear 2022 saw some incredible breakthroughs in the world of medical science. All of these stories are landmark moments that are set to shape the future of medicine.

By modifying an off-the-shelf Wi-Fi router with a firmware update and using a deep-learning algorithm, scientists have been able to detect breathing patterns that indicate respiratory distress in a medical mannequin.

A new report offers the most detailed estimate to date of pandemic-related deaths, finding up to the end of 2021 there were nearly 15 million deaths associated with COVID around the world. The estimate is triple the officially reported mortality figures.

An impressive new study is pointing to a new kind of treatment to protect the vulnerable from COVID-19. The research revealed an old drug derived from bear bile and used for liver disease can block a crucial pathway used by SARS-CoV-2 to enter human cells.

A study looking at post-mortem brain tissue samples has found severe COVID-19 is associated with molecular signs of brain aging. The researchers warn potential long-term neurological problems could emerge in the years following the pandemic.

Health authorities in Japan have issued emergency approval to a new oral antiviral treatment for COVID-19 called ensitrelvir. The once-daily pill works similarly to Pfizer's Paxlovid, and initial Phase 3 results indicate it shortens the duration of symptoms.

According to modeling from the CDC, a pair of Omicron subvariants (BQ.1 & BQ.1.1) now account for half of all SARS.CoV.2 infections in the US. New research also indicates current monoclonal antibody treatments may be ineffective against BQ variants.

In the first study to investigate the effect of repeat SARS-CoV-2 infections on a person's general health researchers have found COVID reinfections can increase one's risk of neurological diseases, diabetes, lung problems and heart disease.